Variable Checkerspot, Euphydryas chalcedona

This caterpillar is feeding on Sticky Monkeyflower, Mimulus aurantiacus. We also find them on
Bee Plant, Scrophularia californica, and sometimes on Indian Paintbrush, Castilleja sp.

In our area adult Variable Checkerspots are found most frequently around Monkeyflower where they
seek mates and oviposit. They seem to prefer other plants such as Yerba Santa, however, for nectar.